Shell construction



Juhe 30, 1931. L. M. MCBRIDE Q 1,312,010

SHELL CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 5, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 6 INVENTOR.

BY M 17m A TTORNEYS June 30', 1931. L. M. M BRIDE 1,312,010

SHELL CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 3. 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z6 /8 2Q /Z ,g HU "I 9 J4 33 9 A? fjmm I I /-7'y.'6

leu zsflffi/ zsrzae INVENTOR.

1a ,0 BY WV W ATTORNEYS June 30, 1931. 1.. M. M BRIDE SHELL CONSTRUCTION4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 5, 1930 INVENTOR.

- nromvzzvj June 30, 1931. M. M BRIDE SHELL CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec. 3,1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Patented June 30, 1 931 UNITED STATES LEWIS M. MCBRIDE, OF.FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA SHELL CONSTRUCTION Application filed December 3,1930. Serial No. 499,686.

. (GRANTED UNDER THE ACT OF MARCH 3, 1883, AS AMENDED APRIL 30, 1928 3700. G. 757) This invention described herein may be manufactured and usedby or for the Government for government purposes, without the payment tome of any royalty thereon.

5' The invention relates to projectiles or shells containing variouschemical agents and more particularly has reference to that type ofprojectiles employing a relatively light weight body and requiring a gastight seal for the contents thereof. I

At the present, in the construction and assembly of projectiles, eventhose for comparatively light types of weapons, a considerable amount ofmachine work necessitating special equipment is required. In addition tothis, it is impossible to construct shells and projectiles of this sortwithout the use of special tools and skilled labor in both themanufacture of the parts and the final assembly. It may hence beappreciated that because of the fineness and the accuracy of the workrequired, as well as the equipment needed to perform the same, theexpense of shells so constructed is necessarily great.

The major object of this invention is the provision of a relativelyinexpensive projectile or shell.

An equally important object oi the invention is the provision of ashell, substantially all of the members of which may be fabricated bypunch press operations and assembled by means 0 straight press fits.

Another important object of my invention is the provision of a shellwhich requires the minimum preparation for firing.

, Another object of the invention is the construction of a shell orprojectile of minimum size and weight by eliminating the usualextensions in constructions of this nature.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a projectileprovided with a novel propellant and starter loading assembly.

Still another object of the invention is the association with aprojectile assembled by press fit methods of a propellant loadingassembly of such construction that the propellant powder increments maybe readily varied so as to vary the basic range of the shell.

Yet another object of the invention is the association with aprojectile, assembled by press fits, of a novel primer support.

A further object of the invention is the association with aprojectile'asse'mbled by press fit methods of a novel cap adapted tosupport a booster.

Yet a further object of the invention is the provision of a shell havinga novel means for-igniting the time fuse associated therewith. g

With these and other objects in view, which may be incident to myimprovements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to behereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that theseveral necessary elements comprising my invention may be varied inconstruction, proportions and arrangement without departing from thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention comprehends the provision of a novel projectile of lightweight and inexpensive construction. One manner of practically effectingthe concept of this invention is to construct the shell of metal parts,substantially all of which are fabricated by punch press methods andassembled by means of straight press fits. The invention alsocontemplates the association with a shell of this nature of a novelpropellant and starter loading assembly as well as a cap adapted tosupport a booster. In addition to this, the invention furthercomprehends the provision of a means for igniting a time fuse containedwithin the shell.

In order to make vmy invention more clear- 1y understood, I have shownin the accompanying drawings, means for carrying the same into practicalefi'ect without limiting the improvements in their useful applicationsto. the particular constructions which, for the purpose of explanation,have been made the subject of illustration.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a vertical sectional view of a projectile bodyforming the subject matter of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view ofthe pressed metal cup adapted to beassociated with the shell body of Figure 1 for holding the propellantcharge.

Figure 3 is a sectional View of a pressed metal closing cap for thepropellant cup or container of Figure 2.

Figure 4 discloses a vertical sectional elevation of a pressed metal cadesigned to close the forward end of the s ell of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional elevation of a modified form of capfrom that disclosed in Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a longitudinal partially broken away sectional view of acompleted shell assembly.

Figure 7 is a rear end View of the assembled projectile disclosedinFigure 6.

Figure 8 shows a vertical sectional elevation of a modified form ofpropellant cup from that disclosed in Figure 2.

Figure 9 is a vertical elevation of still another form of propellantcup.

Figure 10 discloses an end view of the propellant cup shown in Figure 8.

Figure 11 is a detailed sectional view of a special form of constructionfor support-- ing the primer associated with the projectile. 2

Figure 12 is a detailed section view similar to Figure 11 but with atime fuse and powder train associated with the projectile.

Figure 13 is a vertical elevation disclosing the propellant cup ofFigure 2 provided with the primer mounting of Figure 11.

Figure 14 is a view similar to that of Fig- Ere 13 after the propellantcharge has been red.

Figure 15 discloses a partial sectional view of a completely assembledand loaded projectile.

Figure 16 is a rear end view of the projectile disclosed in Figure 15.

Figure 17 shows a partial sectional view of a completely assembled andloaded projectile provided with a time fuse.

Figure 18 is a broken away sectional view of a propellant containerdesigned to permit the use of increments of propellant powder an orderto vary the basic range of the shell.

Figure 19 is a rear end View of the pro-- jectile shown in Figure 18.

Throughout the drawings, similar refer ence numerals refer to like partsin the different views. There is shown in Figure 1, a body or container1 of a projectile forming the subject matter of my invention. The body 1is cut to any desired length and is formed of suitablemetal tubing,preferably seamless steel.

For the purpose of containing the powder charge adapted to propel theshell and to perform other functions, to be hereinafter described, thereis provided a pressed metal propellant charge containing cup 2, adaptedto be inserted within the tubular body 1. As may be observed, the cup 2is provided with an encircling flange 3 and is of a depth sufiicient tohold a powder charge needed to propel the projectile to the desiredrange.

Mentioned as one of the major objects of the invention was the designingof a pro-- jectile adapted to be assembled by means of press fits. Inorder to accomplish'this the outer diameter a of the propellant chargereceiving cup 2, is made slightly greater than the inner diameter 6 ofthe shell body. The/difference in diameters or interference between thedimensions a and b are determined with a special reference to thedemands required and to the design and material of the fitting parts.Propellant cup 2 is inserted into the tube 1, under sufficient pressureto cause the flange 3 to engage the end of the tube and to be firmlyseated against the same.

A closure cap 4 adapted to close off the propellant container isdisclosed in Figure 3. In addition to this function the cap isprovided'with a drawn opening or hole 6 of suitabledimensions to supporta standard primer. Besides the hole 6, the rear face of the closure capis provided with a plurality of openings 5 so as to permit the escape ofthe powder gas from the propellant cup upon the firing of theprojectile. The openings 5 are normally covered by a thin sheet of zinc,celluloid, or other suitable material, preferably of a metal that willbe entirely burned, or volatilized by the ignition of the propellantpowder.

A method similar to that for securing the propellant cup within theprojectile body is employed for maintaining the closure cap 4 to thepropellant cup 2. For this purpose, the outer diameter 0, of the closurecap is slightly greater than the internal diameter afl of the cup 2, sothat when these members are placed together, a tight press fit joint isobtained.

There is disclosed in Figure 4 a pressed steel cap 7, adapted to closeor seal the forward end of the projectile body. This cap as may beobserved, is provided with a flange 8 which seats against the body ofthe projectile when the cap is attached thereto by means similar tothose previously disclosed for securing the various members of the projectile together. Thus the outer diameter 6 of the cap 7 is slightlygreater than the inner diameter of the shell. in order that a tightpress fit joint may be obtained between these two members. It should benoted that the forward closure cap 7 is provided with a drawn tube 9adapted to have a booster tube secured therein by means of a press fit,in a manner similar to that shown and described in application SerialNo. 214,693, filed August 22, 1927.

In lieu of the forward closure cap dischemical irritants or toxicswithin the shell closed in Figure 3, a cap such. as that body.- shown inFigure'5 may beemployed if de- Should it be found necessary to separatesired.- As may be noted, the cap 10 is of, thestarting and'burningmixtures; the conan ogival form and is provided with a rolled structionof Figure 9 may be employed. In

bead 11, in place of" the flange 8 disclosed this instance the openings19 have tubes in Figure 4.-' Cap 10 ,is also provided with a securedthereto which are adapted to extend drawn opening or tube 12 which isadapted within the container 1. Each tube is closed to receive aboostertube. By giving the cap at its end within the shell body and ifof Figure 5v an outer diameter a, slightly formed of thin metal or othermaterial easgreater than that of the inner diameter f of the shell body,a press fit may also be starting mixture which is contained therein. obtin d, i Y There is disclosed in Figure 11 a modified ily burned throughor volatilized by the In Figure 6the shell members of Figures form ofsupport for the primer 13 and also a 1- through '4, inclusive, are shownas assemslightly different ,construction for retaining bled condition,Insertedwithin the opening the rear closure cap. In this type of con- 6ofthe rearlclosure cap is a primer 13 struction the rear closure cap maybe either adapted, to ignite the powder propellant a shallow cup or aflat disc. I charge 14 Asmay be observed, the powder however, the rearclosure is shown as a disc charge '14 is retained in the chamber bymeans of the. thin sheet of combustible or head 23 adapted to beinserted through a easily volatilized material 18, which covers punchedhole in the center of the propellant the openings 5 in the rear closurecap. Secup 2 which may be either of the type indicured Within theopening 9 of the forward cated by the reference numeral 2 or 2a. A cap 7by means of a press fit, isabooster tube recess 23b is drilled orotherwise provided 15 with which is associated suitable'fuse and withinthe primer tube so as to receive the booster assembly 16, shown by thedotted primer 13. In addition to this, flash holes lines. impact typefuse for the purpose of opening tube so as to permit the flash from theprimer the projectile body and for dispersing the to be conducted to theropellant'powde'r contents 17 thereof, or the booster may be chargesurrounding the pr'mertube upon the employed for detonating an explosivecharge ignition of the primer? Upon the outer exor otherwise initiatingthe function of the tremitiy'of the primer tube, there is posishellafter firing. tioned a nut 26 adapted to retain the cap 4a The shell ofFigure 6 isemployed with a in position over the propellant cup.

muzzle loading type of weapon. To dis- A'view disclosing the completeassembly charge the shell, it is merely dropped down of the'propella-ntcup and primer of Figure the barrel of the weapon, and upon the prim- 11is shown in Figure 13. Here the rear cap er coming in contact with thefixed firing of Figure 3 is shown in the form of a flat pin associatedwith'the barrel the propellant disc 4a. Upon the ignition of thepropellant char e 14 is ignited. Upon ignition of the charge, as may beobserved in Figure 14, the powder in the propellant cup, thecoveringdiso 4a is bent outwardly against the edges material 18 over theholes 5 is burned, allow-v 'of the retaining nut 26 in order to allowthe ing the escape of the gases formed by the gases from, the ignitedpropellant powders burning powder which 'resultsin driving the toescape'frofn the projectile and force the projectile out of the barrelat a high velosame outof the gun barrel.

n this instance,

4a. The primer tube 22 is provided with a city. Thefilling 17 of the.projectile'may be either of a gaseous nature, liquid,;or solid and willbe. dispersed upon the contact of the booster assembly 16 with anobject.

A somewhat modified form of propellant charge receiving cup is disclosedinFigures 8, 9'and 10. In Figure 8, the propellant cup mixture used indispersing the. filling ma- 2a is provided with openings 19 adaptedtdcommunicate with the. interior of the shell body for the purpose ofigniting a starting Ininstances where it is found desirable to employ atime fuse for igniting the material ployed. S'uch construction continuesthe within'. the body of the projectile, the construction disclosed inFigure 12 is emterial of the shell body. To prevent contact 'fiitionalOpenings or holes 29 through which between the propellant powder and thestart l Passed a qulck fuse 3 P il 31 er th h l 19 b covered, i a thin1s interposed in the primer tube between the disc of a suitablecombustible or easily volaflash holes 2 a the 1$ holes 29 in ordertilized naterjal 34, Upon the burning f t0 prevent the direct ignitionOf the powder This may be either of the time or 25 communicate with therecess of the primer the material 34,-the starting mixture is igtrain ofthe time fuse, by the flashof the -nited and this in turn ignitesspecial burnprimer, which in the event of the failure of ing mixtureseither of smoke material or the propellant powder would cause a prema- Acompletely assembled and loaded shell,

is disclosed in Figures 15 and 16. In this instance the tubular body 1of Figure 1, the projectile cup of Figure 8, and a rear closure modifiedas a shallow cup with gas vent holes 5 are employed. As may also beobserved, the primer supporting construction of Figures 11, 13 and 14are employed.

- Over the vent holes 5 in the rear cup 4b and also over the openings 19in the propellant cup 2a, there is placed thin combustible or easilyvolatiliz ed material designated respectively by the reference numerals18 and 19. After filling, the forward end of the pro ectile is closed bya front cap 7 a, similar to that disclosed in Figure 4, but in thisinstance. the opening 9 is eliminated and no booster employed. I

The projectile filling consists of the material 17, which may be a solidsmoke mlxture or an intimate mixture of an irritant or toxic materialwith a suitable fuel to produce thermal dispersion of the same. Starter21 consists of an easily ignited material, such as powder compoundedwith a suitable binder, and if necessary is separated from Y theprojectile filling by a thin disc 31 of a suitable material that iseasily burned through or volatilized by the starter.

The projectile of Figure 15, as well as-any of those previouslydescribed, functions upon being dropped into the muzzle of a mortar bythe firing of the primer 13 upon contact with the firing pin. Thisresults in igniting the propellant powder 14, the combustion'of whichburns through the mate: rial 18 allowing the gas to escape through theholes 5 into the chamber of the mortarso as to drive the projectile out,of the barrel.

The propellant powder,.at the same time,

'also ignites the starter 21 by burning through the material 34. Duringthe flight. ofthe projectile the starter burns through the disc 31 andignites the filling mixture 17, the smoke or gas evolved escapingthrough the openings 19, the empty propellant chamber and the openings5.

In Figure 17 there is disclosed a completely assembled and loaded shellemploying a time fuse for igniting the material 17 within the shellbody. The tubular body 1 is fitted with a propellant cup 2 containing apropellant powder charge 14. Both ends of the projectile are closed in amanner similar to that disclosed in connection with Figures 15 and 16.In this instance, however, the primer tube 22, as in the case of Figure11, extends through the interior of the projectile towards the forwardend thereof and carries the fuse 27 and powder train 28 with which isassociated a detonator, squib, or other igniting device indicated by thereference numeral 32.

It should be noted that the forward end of the primer tube is closedwith a plug 33 and thatthe general primer construc- "tion of Figure 11is employed. With the shell of Figure 15, the filling 17 may consist ofany desired material, either gaseous, liquid orsolid, which is to bedispersed, or it may consist of a filling of either high or lowexplosive or any mixture thereof.

To discharge the projectile, it is dropped into the barrel of the,weaponin a manner similar to that previously described. This results in firingthe rimer which i nites the propellant powder c arge 14: and t e quicklength to give the predetermined time functioning of the projectile sothat the detonator may be set off when desired.

When it is desired to control the basic range of the projectile, zonecharges, or increments of propellant powder may be employed with theshell forming the subject matter of my invention. A constructionpernntting such an expedient is shown in Figures 18 and 19. Here thetubular body 1 of the projectile is fitted with a propellant cup 2ofconsiderable. depth which supports a primer tube 22a and a primer 13.The rear closure cup 4?) is provided with gas vent holes 5 which arecovered with suitable material 18 and is retained by the wing nut 26,having wings 35, which screws onto the outer end of the primer tube. Bysuch construction the cup 4?) may be removed by hand and easily replacedso as to vary the powder charge within the cup. These charges consist ofa plurality of perforated disc powder increments or bundles similar tothose described in application Serial No.

178,358, filed March .25, 1927, or the charges consist of a plurality oftubular bags of powder or any other suitable means for dividing thesame.I I

The number ofcharge increments required for a given basic range areplaced in the propellant cup 2 over the primertube 22a and are heldagainst each other by the spiral helical spring 36 and the washer 37,also placed over the primer tube, and the closure a cup itself. It willbe appreciated that upon securing the' rearclos'ure cup 45 to theroectile, that the powder charge will be eld against' -the inner wall ofthe cup and powder 14 through the openings 25 in the primer tube. Itwill be appreciated that the construction just outlined, permits a rapidchange of the propelling charge between the limits of the basic chargeand the maximum number of increments which may be employed with any typeof projectile. Moreover, it may also be observed that thisconstructionmay be employed with any of the various modifications of themeans heretofore described for the purpose of releasing or firing theprojectile filling 17.

While the projectile'forming the subjectmatter of my invention has beendescribed as used in a muzzle loading weapon, it is to be understoodthat the shell construction is obviously not limited to a weapon of thist e. Obviously the projectile may be modi ed for use with a breechloading weapon by slight structural changes without exceeding the spiritof the invention or the scope of the claims appended hereto.

The constructions heretofore disclosed provide a shell which is ofexceedingly light weight and at thesame time inexpensive. Thls isaccomplished by forming all of the metal parts, with the exception ofthe primer and detonating device, of metal which may be shaped by punchpress methods. Further, the size and weight may also be reduced by theelimination of extensions upon the projectile itself, such as thecartridge container, front and rear body heads of the usualconstruction, fuse adapter, ex ternal fuse and other extensions of thisnature. By formin the parts of the shell by punch press metiiods andsecuring them together by press fits, an inexpensive construction andassembly is provided, which besides requiring a minimum of skilled laboralso requires a minimum of complicated and necessarily expensivemachinery and tools for constructing the device.

In addition to serving as a container for the propellant powder charge,it should be noted that the propellant cup provides a gas tight seal atthe rear of the shell body. A similar seal is provided at the forwardend of the shell body by the forward closure cup which may, if desired,be so constructed as to have a booster associated therewith.

By the use of suitable dimensions, the interference between thecooperating parts may be made to suit the particular demand called forso that thecontainer will withstand the stress of the discharge and allof. the parts of the projectile assembly will remain integral upon thefiring of the shell.

Further it will be realized that all of the types of projectilesdisclosed, due to their simplicity, require but a minimum of preparationfor firing.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that I haveprovided a novel projectile which is 0f simple design and inexpensiveconstruction. In addition to this, it will also be appreciated that theprojectile forming the subject matter of my invention is capable ofcontaining any type of filling material, either in the liquid, gaseous,

or solid form and while designed for use with weapons of the muzzleloading type, may bev employed for breach loading weapons as well.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of myinvention, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself tothe precise details of construction herein set forth, by way ofillustration, as,

it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein, bythoseskilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of theinvention, or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A projectile comprising a tubular body member, a forward closuremember, a rearward closure member adapted to contain a propellant powdercharge, a cover member for said rear closure memberysaid members beingsecured to each other by press fits, and means for firing the projectileassociated therewith.

2. A projectile comprising a tubular body member, a forward and arearward closure member therefor adapted to be secured to the body bypress fits, said forward closure member having a booster tube andbooster assembly secured thereto by. a press fit, said rear closuremember adapted to contain a propellant powder charge, a cover membersecured to said rear closure member, and means associated with theprojectile for igniting the propellant powder.

3. A projectile comprising a body adapted to contain material to bedispersed, a forward and a rearward closure member secured therto by apress fit, said rearward closure member having a cup like shape andadapted to contain a propellant powder charge, a cover member for saidrear 010- sure member, said cover member provided with a plurality ofopenings adapted to be normally closed by a sheet of easily volatilizedand inflammable material, and means associated with the projectile forigniting the propellant powder charge.

4. A projectile comprising a tubular body adapted to contain materialtobe dispersed, a forward closure cup provided with an opening adaptedto support a booster tube and booster assembly, secured thereto by pressfits so as to afford a gas tight seal, a

propellant powderreceiving cup secured to the rear end of said body by apress fit so as to also afford a gas tight seal, a cover cup for thepropellant cupalso secured by a press fit, said cover cup being providedwit-h a plurality of openings normally covered by inflammable and easilyvolatilized material and also with an opening adapted to support aprimer for firing the projectile.

5. A propellant powder loading assembly for a projectile comprising apropellant charge receiving cup adapted to be inserted within the bodyof the projectile and sc-,

cured thereto by a press fit, said propellant cup having a flange aroundits lip so as to provide a seat for the cup on the end of the projectilebody, a cover cup secured within the propellant cup by a press fit, thebase of said cover cup being provided with a plurality of openingsnormally covered by an inflammable and easily volatilized 1naterial andalso with an opening adapted to support a primer for firing theprojectile. v 6. A projectile powder loading assembly comprising apropellant powder receiving cup adapted to be inserted within aprojectile body and secured thereto by a press fit, the base of said cuphaving a plurality of holes normally covered by an inflammable andeasily volatilized material adapted to be burned through upon theignition of the propellant powder to allow the ignition of a startingmixture within the projectile, I a cover member for maintaining thepropellant powder within the cup and means associated with thepropellant powder assembly for firing the same.

7 A projectile propellant powder loading assembly comprising a powderreceiving 3 cup adapted to be inserted within a projectile body andsecured thereto by a press fit, the base of said cup being provided witha. plurality of openings adapted to have tubes formed of an easilyvolatilized ma- 5 terial for containing a starting mixture securedtherein, a cover member for maintaining said charge within thepropellant cup 'and means associated with the assembly for igniting thepropellant powder.

8. A propellant powder loading assembly for a projectile comprising apropellant charge receiving cup adapted to be insert-ed within the bodyof the projectile and secured thereto by a press fit, the base of said 5cu bein rovided with an o )enin ada t- P a P l a P ed to support aprimer tube with primer for igniting the propellant charge, and a covermember for said cup secured to said primer tube.

9. A propellant powder loading assembly for a projectile, said assemblycomprising a propellant charge receiving cup adapted to be insertedwithin the projectile body and secured thereto by a press fit, said cupbe- 5 ing provided with an opening, a primer tube provided with a flangeat one end and threads at the other inserted through the opening so thatthe flange bears against the base of the cup, a cover cap for saidpropellant cup adapted to he slipped over the primer tube, means forsecuring the cover over the cup and a primer associated with a tube forigniting the propellant charge.

10. A projectile propellant powder loading assembly comprising apropellant char e 'receivin on a cover late a )rimer tu e having aflanged end and a threaded end extending through the cup and cover, saidflange bearing against the base of the cup, the cover being maintainedin position by a nut engaging said threads, said primer tube providedwith a recess having a primer therein and also with a plurality of flashholes for igniting the powder charge.

11. A projectile propellant powder loading assembly comprising apropellant charge receiving cup, a cover plate, a primer tube having aflanged end and a threaded end extending through the cup and cover, saidflange bearing against the base of the cup, the cover being maintainedin position by a nut engaging said threads, said primer tube providedwith a recess having a primer therein and alsowith a plurality of flashholes for igniting the powder charge, said cover plate being constructedof a metal adapted to be bent outwardly over said nut upon the ignitionof the propellant powder.

12. A projectile propellant powder loading assembly comprising apropellant charge receiving cup adapted to be inserted within aprojectile body, a cover therefor, a primer tube adapted to extendthrough the cover and cup and into the interior of the projectile, saidprimer tube provided with a flange bearing against said cup and a screwthreaded end adapted to be engaged by a nut for maintaining the coverover the propellant cup, a fuse and powder train with detonator withinthe portion of said primer tube within the projectile, said primer tubebeing provided with a recess having a primer and a plurality of flashholes, the, tube also being provided with a plurality of holes for aquick fuse,-and means for preventing the ignition of said quick fuseupon failure of the propellant powder.

13. A projectile propellant powder loading assembly comprising apropellant charge receiving cup adapted to be inserted within aprojectile body, said cu being of a relative great depth and provi edwith an openingada-pted to have a primer tube extending therethrough, aclosure cup adapted to be inserted within the end of said propellantcharge receiving cup, said closure cup being rovided with an openingadapted to have t e primer tube extend therethrough, sa1d primer tubebeing provided with a flanged end and adapted to bear against saidpropellant charge receiving cup, and a threaded end adapted to beengaged by a nut for maintaining the closure cup thereon, a primer andan igniting powder charge Within said primer tube, and a plurality ofperforated disc powder increments posi tioned within said propellantcharge receiving cup, said primer tube extending through said powderincrements.

14. A projectile propellant powder loading assembly comprising apropellant charge receiving cup of relatively great depth adapted toreceive a plurality of disc-like powder increments, said propellantcharge receiving cup adapted to be secured within a projectile body by apress fit, the propellant charge receiving cup being provided.

with'an opening adapted to have a primer tube extend therethrough, saidprimer tube also extending through said powder increments, the primertube being provided with a flange at its inner end and adapted to bearagainst the bottom of said propellant charge receiving cup, a closurecap adapted to be positioned over the end of said propellant chargereceiving cup and to be secured thereto by threaded means engaging theend of said primer tube and bearing against the bottom of said closurecup, an igniting powder charge and a primer within said primer tube, anda spring positioned around said primer tube so as to bear against thebottom of said propellant charge receiving cup and the powderincrements.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

LEWIS M. MCBRIDE.

